New Israel Fund (NIF) Annual Report 2022

The year 2022 was an important period of engagement in the community for the New Israel Fund, during a time of change for people on the ground in Israel. With the return to power of Benjamin Netanyahu, NIF grantees faced some of the most significant challenges that they've ever faced, confronted with the most right-wing government in Israel's history, NIF grantees rose to meet the moment, fighting for the values enshrined in Israel's declaration of independence: that it "will uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens, without distinction of race, creed or sex."

Here in Australia, NIF invested in ensuring that grantees on the ground had what they needed to undertake this work, supporting 23 grantees across the full spectrum of NIF issue areas: from religious pluralism to fighting the occupation, refugee rights and LGBTQ rights, NIF Australia invested in a better future for all living in Israel and promoted this work in Australia by arranging engaging events, critical conversations, and targeted grant-making, to advance our mission to promote democracy, equality, and justice in Israel.

We expanded our reach, deepened our engagement with diverse communities and continued to invest in Australia and on the ground in Israel. Below, we provide an overview of the events and initiatives that we hosted, the grant allocations that we made and showcase the breadth of our work in Australia to help fight for the vision that we at NIF won't stop fighting for: a future that centres justice and equality for all in the region, built upon a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. 

Covering Letter from Ric Benjamin

Dear Supporters,

As Chair of the New Israel Fund Australia Board, it gives me immense pride to present our 2022 Annual Report. This document reflects a year of determination, resilience, and growth for NIF as we worked to strengthen Israeli democracy, protect human rights, and build a shared society.

Our successes this year were made possible by the unwavering support of our donors, partners, and advocates who share our vision for a just and equitable Israel. In 2022, NIF Australia hosted numerous events that inspired critical conversations and action, supported transformative grassroots organizations through targeted grantmaking, and amplified the voices of those advocating for change.

As we move forward, our commitment remains steadfast. We will continue to champion the values of equality and justice while addressing emerging challenges with boldness and compassion. Thank you for your dedication and partnership. Together, we are shaping a better future for all.

With gratitude,

Ric Benjamin
Chair, NIF Australia Board

Key Events and Programs

In Australia, NIF hosted eleven events online and off, showcasing the diversity of speakers and supporters committing to the ideals that we at NIF hold true. Below are just a few of the manyincredible highlights from the year:

1. A Conversation with Ohad Naharin

• Date: 24 January 2022

• Format: Online

• Overview: This event featured renowned Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin, exploring his three-decade career, the founding of the Gaga movement, his political activism, and his response to the controversy surrounding the Sydney Festival and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Participants were introduced to his creative philosophies and the unique ways in which his work bridges art and sociopolitical discourse.

• Impact: Attendees gained valuable insights into the intersection of art, politics, and activism in contemporary Israeli society, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural resistance and its role in advocating for justice.

2. On the Ground with NIF’s Social Justice Activists

• Date: February 2022 (Four-part series)

• Overview: These online virtual tours, led by our staffer Adi Tufik in Israel, give us a flavour for what life is really like on the ground for NIF grantees and partners. Over four weeks, NIF audiences across Australia saw what life is like in neighbourhoods across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Jordan valley and beyond.  

• Details:

  • Week 1: Tour of Yaffo with System Ali, a shared society hip-hop band.

  • Week 2: Exploration of Bedouin challenges in Lakya.

  • Week 3: Tour of the Jordan Valley with Machsom Watch to understand Palestinian residents' struggles.

  • Week 4: Walking tour of Jerusalem’s Musrara neighborhood with Black Panthers leader Reuven Avergil.

• Impact: Participants engaged deeply with the realities of Israeli society and the challenges of shared living, equality, and justice. This series allowed attendees to connect personally with grassroots activists, fostering a more nuanced understanding of systemic issues and inspiring ongoing support for social justice initiatives.

3. Yair Golan: From the Army to Politics

• Date: 2 March 2022

• Overview: In this online conversation, Yair Golan, Knesset member and deputy minister for the economy and industry, shared his journey from military leadership to political advocacy, focusing on settler violence and the occupation. His candid reflections on navigating complex societal dynamics resonated with attendees.

• Impact: This event provided a unique perspective on the threats to Israeli democracy and the interplay between security, politics, and human rights. Golan’s narrative inspired meaningful conversations on ethical leadership and the importance of challenging injustices within entrenched systems.

4. A Briefing on President Biden’s Visit and Masafer Yatta

• Date: 15 July 2022

• Overview: Experts from B'Tselem, ACRI, and +972 Magazine shared an online platform, discussing the plight of 1,000 Palestinians in Masafer Yatta facing eviction after a controversial High Court ruling. The conversation shed light on the broader implications of U.S.-Israel relations on human rights in the region.

• Impact: Raised awareness of critical human rights issues and the international implications of U.S.-Israel relations. Attendees were encouraged to advocate for justice and amplify marginalized voices within the global arena.

5. [New Gen] Activism at the Bar: Insights from Changemakers on the Ground in Israel

• Date: 16 August 2022

• Format: In-person at The Little Guy, Glebe, NSW

• Speakers: Ori Kol, founder of Mehazkim and co-founder of FakeReporter, and Em Hilton, Jewish activist and writer.

• Overview: This event brought together young professionals to discuss digital mobilization, anti-occupation activism, and the state of the left in Israel-Palestine. The event fostered a vibrant dialogue on pressing issues such as the expulsion of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta and the death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

• Impact: Strengthened engagement with New Gen supporters and provided a platform for candid discussions about justice and activism.

6. Thomas Friedman on Democracy, Renewal, and Hope Around the World

• Date: 13 November 2022

• Overview: Thomas Friedman, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, joined Walkley Award-winning journalist Debbie Whitmont for an online discussion on global democracy, international conflicts, and lessons from elections in Australia, Israel, and the U.S.

• Impact: Fostered a deeper understanding of global political trends and their implications for democracy. Friedman’s insights inspired attendees to think critically about the role of civil society in shaping the future.

Grant Allocations for 2022

In 2022, NIF allocated a total of $419,581 in grants to 23 organisations advancing social justice, equality, and human rights. Our commitment to empowering grassroots efforts remained steadfast, as we funded initiatives that address pressing societal challenges and promote equitable solutions. Our complete list of contributions is below:

In particular, NIF is proud to provide an ongoing commitment to its flagship grantee:

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) received $46,710 from NIF Australia in 2022 to safeguard equality for all in Israel through litigation, ensuring that fundamental freedoms are upheld and accessible to all citizens.

In addition, NIF supported:

• The newly established Community House: Supported by a multi-year commitment of $80,000 from the Victor Smorgon Charitable Fund, the Community House was established as a shared workspace for organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers. This space serves as a hub for collaboration and innovation, strengthening the capacity of advocacy groups.

• NIF continued to support Physicians for Human Rights with $32,500 to provide medical care in the West Bank, Gaza, and within Israel to those who are not afforded state healthcare, directly addressing inequities in the health sector and providing essential services to underserved communities.

• The Tzedek Centres received $40,000 from NIF Australia to provide shared space for Jewish and Arab activists in shared cities, fostering cooperation and mutual understanding through education and empowerment that saw tremendous success in building relationships between these communities and safeguarding against tensions in mixed cities where the Tzedek Centres have spaces.

• NIF supported Adalah with $25,345 for litigation to uphold the rights of Arab citizens of Israel, ensuring their voices are represented in legal and public forums.

Additional grants supported a wide range of initiatives, including combatting discrimination, addressing food insecurity, promoting shared society through education, and protecting human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. Each grant reflects our dedication to addressing both immediate needs and systemic inequities, paving the way for lasting change. For more on our grantees by issue area, please head to our impact page, available here.

Media Mentions In 2022, NIF Australia was featured widely across media outlets, highlighting our impactful work and the critical issues we address. Our executive director, Liam Getreu spoke to Ha'aretz and the Guardian in support of the Australian government's decision to reverse the previous government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and wrote an opinion piece for haaretz addressing the foreign policy of the new Labor government

Looking Ahead As we reflect on 2022, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society in Israel. We look forward to deepening our collaborations, expanding our programs, and addressing emerging challenges. Through partnerships, activism, and philanthropy, NIF will continue to champion the values of democracy and justice in the coming years. By engaging communities, amplifying marginalized voices, and supporting transformative initiatives, we aim to build a resilient and hopeful future for all.

Thank You We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, partners, and participants for their unwavering dedication to our shared mission. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all who call Israel home. Your contributions, whether through financial support, advocacy, or participation, fuel our efforts and inspire us to push boundaries and envision a better tomorrow.

Contact Information For more information about our programs and grants, please contact:

• Michael Chaitow: [email protected] | 0432 629 342

For previous annual reports, please review at this link.